The Victorian Government is supporting EPA Victoria with a new trial using acoustic camera technology to put pressure on noisy vehicle owners and hoon drivers.
Four council areas have been selected where acoustic cameras will be deployed under the first part of a new two-year, Victorian Government funded trial.
Port Phillip, Casey, Knox and Stonnington councils have been chosen for the first phase of the trial. EPA in consultation with the councils will select street locations for the cameras based on logistical access and history of noisy vehicle reports.
The trial will extend to seven cameras in the second part of the trial.
Roadside acoustic cameras can detect noisy vehicles and capture their registration details. This allows EPA to send a notice requiring their owners to submit the vehicle for noise testing at an accredited testing facility.
Failure to submit to the test or to bring the vehicle into compliance can result in substantial fines of $1,221 for individuals and $6,105 for companies.
The councils were identified as areas where noisy vehicle hotspots exist, based on analysis of Victoria Police noisy vehicle reports submitted to EPA. The trial will extend to a total of seven cameras over the two-year trial period.
Noise is a growing category of pollution. In 2020-2021 EPA received 5,404 noise reports, last year that jumped to more than 9,100 overall with almost 5,000 noisy vehicle testing notices and 1,222 noisy vehicle infringement notices issued in 2025.
"This trial creates the opportunity to test innovative technology to help get noisy vehicles off the roads and protecting the community from excessive noise," said EPA CEO Joss Crawford.
In the coming weeks, following a rigorous tender process, EPA will decide on a supplier, so we are on track to have the trial go live later this year."
